Air Traffic Controller Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $138,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Oshkosh, WI earns a median $138,521/year (≈ $66.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Oshkosh's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $148,309 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the projected median annual air traffic controller salary in 2026 stands at $138,521, placing it below the national average of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in this city varies widely, from $80,342 at the 10th percentile to $195,408 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. Given Oshkosh's unique mix of facilities, controllers may experience different pay scales depending on whether they work at en route centers, terminal facilities, or airport control towers, with en route centers typically offering higher compensation due to the increased complexity and responsibilities involved in high-altitude traffic management.
About the Oshkosh Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,342 | $38.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,559 | $48.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,521 | $66.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,110 | $84.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,408 | $93.94 |
Median Salary Position
8.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, WI, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,066 (2026 est.). At $138,521, the local median is 8.8% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oshkosh: You'd be above the median
How Oshkosh Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Oshkosh median: $138,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oshkosh Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $140,488 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.80% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Oshkosh, WI earn a median of $138,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $140,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oshkosh has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oshkosh, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,521 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,309 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,168
2025 BLS Actual
$135,050
2026 Current Est.
$138,521
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,333 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,292 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,081 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,168 (2019) to $135,050 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,081 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,913 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,342 – $100,559 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,559 – $138,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,521 – $175,110 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,110 – $195,408 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Oshkosh
With 17 air traffic controllers currently employed in the Oshkosh area, the local job market provides a modest but stable opportunity for those seeking careers in this essential field. The cost-of-living index in Oshkosh is set at 93.4, indicating that living expenses are comparatively lower than the national average, which can enhance take-home pay and purchasing power for controllers. The FAA en route centers tend to provide the highest salaries, followed by terminal TRACONs and tower facilities. Variations in air traffic controller pay in Oshkosh can be driven by factors such as facility type, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and substantial overtime opportunities, which are often plentiful due to chronic staffing challenges. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing CPC certification and being open to shifts that offer premium pay can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $135,050 for air traffic controllersin the Oshkosh metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oshkosh is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov